The Herald-Mail
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Thomas A. Detrick , 71 Jun 19, 1948 - May 1, 2020 Thomas Anthony Detrick, 71, of Hagerstown, MD, left his earthly body on Friday, May 1, 2020.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty "Grammy" Phillips; stepfather, Albert "Ducky" Phillips; and nephew Duston "Buggie" Detrick.
Born June 19, 1948, "Poppy Tom" or "PT" as he was known to most, was a decorated Marine Corps Vietnam veteran who received multiple Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star and the Congressional Service Cross, among others. A lively American patriot, PT made it clear he was proud to have fought to protect the rights we all enjoy. PT carried a laminated pocket version of the Bill of Rights in his shirt pocket, so he could remind everyone of
those rights at every opportunity.
Those who knew him casually, knew him to be an oftentimes crass cut-up who would say and do strange things to make a point or make people laugh.
Those of us blessed enough to know him closely, know he was a devoted family man. PT would have crossed heaven and earth to do anything for a family member, and his later life centered entirely on his grandchildren.
PT was a caring and selfless man, who would give a stranger the shirt off his back, literally teaching his children and grandchildren if they were to give away their last piece of bubble gum to a friend that had none, he would buy them a new pack. That was genuine, that is who he was and you always knew where you stood with him.
Our family lost our patriarch, our rock, our foundation and it goes without saying he will be missed more than words can ever express.
PT is survived by brothers, Dan (Linda), Mick (Rose), Rick (Debbie) and Craig; sisters, Donna and Tam; daughters, Tonya and Heather; son, Tony (Kelly); grandsons, Bryan (Ashley), Aaryn (Bethany), Josh and Thomas; granddaughters, Kyra, Taryn, Amber and Skylar; great-grandson, Kit; and multiple nieces, nephews and extended family members.
No traditional services will be held; however, the family plans to hold a Celebration of Life event when public safety permits.
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